Most people are raised from a young age to understand what stealing means. This lesson usually begins when a child takes something that doesn’t belong to them. Because we have learned what stealing is as children, when a person is charged with theft, it usually requires very little explanation.
However, when it comes to the criminal justice system, the implications of a theft charge can be a little more confusing because of the various classification levels at play.
Theft Crime Classifications
Petty Theft
Grand Theft
Shoplifting
Fraud
Robbery
Burglary
Petty theft and grand theft are distinguished differently in most states. For example, petty theft typically involves items of small value or small amounts of money, and is most often considered a misdemeanor. Grand theft involves stealing goods of higher value or larger amounts of money, and you can be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.
Shoplifting is the theft related crimes that occurs most often in the United States. Shoplifting covers the taking of items from a retail establishment illegally. Typically, there are no classifications for shoplifting, and most shoplifters will be charged with theft. The penalty handed out will depend on the value of the items that were stolen. Switching of bar codes to get an item at a cheaper price, grabbing and running, and distracting of employees while others steal are common techniques employed by shoplifters.
Deceiving a person for personal gain is considered fraud. Fraud is considered theft when the gain is monetary or some kind of property. Some common types of fraud are forgery and identity theft. Bait and switch schemes are also quite common. Another common type of fraud is embezzlement. Embezzlement typically involves an employee taking money or assets from their employer, but can also apply to stealing of assets in non-employer/employee situations.
Robbery is pretty straightforward, and doesn’t need much explanation. Unlike fraud, which typically relies on deception, robbery involves taking of items through violence or threats of violence. Common examples are muggings and armed robbery. Robberies typically have at least two characteristics…items were stolen from an individual or business, and violence or threats of violence were also used. Because of this additional element, sentencing penalties are often more serious.
Burglary is a crime that involves entering a property illegally with the intention to commit a crime, usually theft.
In Suffolk County, New York, The Law Office of Naiburg, Obedin and Weissman can provide you with more information on how the state handles theft charges, so give them a call at (631) 979-7777 for more information.